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Atlanta Hawks: Nuggets 100, Hawks 90

1:03 am March 1, 2011, by Michael Cunningham

J.J.'s 15 points after halftime couldn't save Hawks.

J.J.'s 15 points after halftime couldn't save Hawks.

Denver– I wasn’t thrilled with my seat for the game, which was over a tunnel in a corner opposite the Hawks’ bench. But it turned out to be the perfect vantage point to see the Hawks bumble with transition defense.

  • The Nuggets couldn’t wait to get out and run once they collected Atlanta’s errant long jumpers. From my seat I could see why. The Hawks were a jumbled mess as they tried to get back, stop dribble penetration, find shooters and defend the rim. They were lucky if they managed to do one of the four.
  • “We had bad floor balance, which is unlikely for us knowing we are playing a team that likes to get up and down the court,” J.J. said. “Knowing that if you didn’t shoot the ball, you have to get back. I messed up a few times on that and it costs us. Just boneheaded plays.”
  • L.D.’s message before the game was to control the tempo with good shot selection.
  • “Didn’t do it,” he said. “Didn’t even come close to it. We got into a jump-shooting contest early. We ended up 2 for 19 on threes, you are not going to win on the road taking that many threes especially with the other things we gave up. That’s way, way too many to give up on the road. The things we were concerned about coming into this game they completely took advantage of it.”
  • To be fair, Hinrich and Smoove could have made a difference for the Hawks in the second half. Hinrich because he’s likely to help the Hawks work for better shots, Smith because when all else fails he can protect the rim.
  • “When I went out after the first half, and then Kirk not being able to go I think it hurt us a lot,” Smoove said.
  • “I think it helped a little bit by Josh not being in the second half,” George Karl said. “Still a solid win.”
  • Josh said he sprained his right medial collateral ligament when J.R. Smith fell on his leg. He’s likely to get an MRI. It’s the same knee he banged earlier this season.
  • “For the past two games it was feeling like I was getting back to 100 percent and then this happens,” he said. “It’s kind of frustrating but I can’t control injuries.”
  • Al (21 points, 10 of 15 shots) was the most efficient scorer for the Hawks but got just two shots in the fourth quarter (and made both). Marvin was 0 for 4, Joe was 3 for 8, and Jamal was 1 for 3.
  • The game got away from the Hawks when they went more than three minutes without a field goal while down 89-85.
  • “This was a very winnable game,” Marvin said. “Obviously when Smoove went down the other guys had to step up. We had great looks at it we just couldn’t make shots tonight and couldn’t get stops when we needed it.”
  • “We missed looks we normally make,” Joe said. “I don’t know it was dead legs or what.”
  • “When they started double-teaming Joe we tried to space the floor,” Drew said. “This was one of those games where we could have used Kirk, could have used Josh Smith. Because one thing those guys can do is space the floor. We turned down some shots out of the double team which we can’t do. If they double team and you get an open look you’ve got to take the shot. We had some guys that were a little bit reluctant.”
  • Teague did his part to slow Denver’s dribble penetration in the halfcourt (and got six needed rebounds) but was 1 for 6 on field goals. By my (unofficial) count four of those misses were long jumpers, which still isn’t his thing.
  • Raymond Felton and J.R. Smith helped Denver’s bench enjoy a 44-17 scoring advantage. Only Jamal can match that firepower on Atlanta’s bench but the reserves didn’t help matter with poor shot selection during Denver’s rally in the second quarter.
  • So the Hawks finished their trip 3-4 with Ws against Detroit, Golden State and Portland and Ls to the Knicks, Lakers, Suns and Nuggets.
  • “You know, when you look at the thing as a whole, it’s OK,” Al said. “It could have been worse. This is a game I don’t like to lose but the fact that we came out and competed even though we were shorthanded I liked that fact. We were down one going into the fourth and we had a chance.”
  • “It could have been better,” Josh said. “I think we could have won that Phoenix game. We played well in Golden State and Portland.”
  • “Not all was bad but you look back at games we could have got,” Marvin said. “The LA game was going to be tough, I think everybody knew that. Phoenix, they got up on us and we fought our way back and could have snuck that one.”
  • “Obviously we would have liked to have done better but I think it’s acceptable to finish off 3-4,” L.D. said. “It could have been a lot worse. Now we are still in a position where we can control our own destiny. We have a boatload of games at home and if we have to go home and handle our business.”
  • “After the trade as you can see we had a lot of positive things happen,” Joe said. “Those two games were close. We have got to look forward to getting back everybody healthy. Hopefully Smoove’s injury is not serious.”
  • It’s Bulls, Thunder, Knicks, and the Lakers at Philips over the next eight days.
  • “The good thing about the good teams is there is going to be a crowd there, no matter if they are favoring the visiting team or ours,” Josh said. “I think that gets us going more than anything and trying to play in kind of a playoff environment.”
  • “I think we’ve shown that we’ve gotten it together the last few games,” Al said. “Even this game I think we played well aside from the transition aspect. We have to come out with energy and intensity and be ready to go because we have got some real good teams coming.”
  • I’m headed home after 15 nights on the road. Ken S. is on deck for the next couple days. Thanks for reading, blog people.

Michael Cunningham, Hawks beat

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281 comments Add your comment

Slimjr

March 2nd, 2011
9:42 am

“f I were Sund? I would pay Marvin to stay away from the team or, put on a call to Tonya Harding and her Ex to rearrange his knees.
What could Brandon Roy do with a pair of barely used knees is priceless.
__________________

OK, I’m done. I feel so much better. PMS is a b!atch.

LOL – ROF” Awesome! LOL!!

Deng is going to take Marivns lunch money. Marvins going to cry home to mommy tongiht!!! LOL

Slimjr

March 2nd, 2011
9:43 am

marvin and tonight! finish your coffee son…

Slimjr

March 2nd, 2011
9:45 am

Prediction: Chicago by 20 tonight………….

Marvin does not have to work on anything but kicking rocks……

Jettison the Core Scottie! Yes Captain…………..

The Truth

March 2nd, 2011
9:46 am

Fundamentals: Did you mean this:

‘We just always seem to find the diamond in the rough that turns out to be a black rock and not even coal.”

or this:

We just always seem to find the rough that looks like diamond that turns out to be a black rock and not even coal.

doc

March 2nd, 2011
9:52 am

i think boozer has the capacity to make etan and collins look like 7 ft spinning tops as he goes quickly to the basket unless they club him before he moves.

heh heh @ fundamentals, with the total package of the celts (we certainly coudnt have given over a talent like perkins) have and the heat, big three and co., i think they have the capability to use bibby with his limited skills, maybe. both those teams play very tenacious defense that requires a lot of quickness. anyway, celts would have used bibby in a very limited role as he wouldnt move rondo out of his 35 minutes. heat may break down working to cover bibby’s defensive liabilities if they run him out there too much, good luck maybe for us. bottom line bibby was a luxury we couldnt afford. luxury, like if you have to get to some back road villa over rough terrain at the end, you dont take your low slung porsche but your beefy rover to soften the ride all along the way. usually, we end up with jeep’s.

J from the A

March 2nd, 2011
10:03 am

Perhaps re-posting once the Bulls-Hawks preview blog goes up.
tl/dr version: The Hawks have the worst home crowd of any NBA team.

“[The Bulls] start off with the easiest of those tough games tonight in Atlanta. The Hawks are 2-1 after trading for Kirk Hinrich while playing all three games on the road. They’re well rested as they are coming off two days off from a Sunday tilt against the Nuggets and returning home from a long road trip.

The Bulls aren’t a great road team, but the Hawks have the worst home crowds in the NBA even when playing well. Don’t be surprised if the makeup of the crowd is 25% Bulls fans and if those fans don’t combine to make more noise than the actual Hawks fans. Expect some road MVP chants again tonight.”

Read more: http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/chicago-bulls-confidential/2011/03/bulls-at-hawks-at-6pm-on-wciu.html#ixzz1FSFOY7eH

Fundamentals

March 2nd, 2011
10:05 am

Either way truth, we just don’t have a knack for finding those key role players…or blatantly obvious All Star/ HOF Talents like others do.

Bibby would’ve been a luxury I agree, sad we can’t flesh out solid players at every position. We have so many pieces that still just don’t seem to fit?

J from the A

March 2nd, 2011
10:06 am

Bold prediction of the day: Marvin Williams is going to shut down Deng tonight.
But with a gimpy Smoove and a gimpy Captain Kirk + a horrible home crowd, Williams defensive effort won’t be enough. Bulls win by 18.

Now, if Smoove and Kirk are near 100%, then this one could be a real wild card.

Fundamentals

March 2nd, 2011
10:06 am

If the Hawks Bulls blog goes up?

The Truth

March 2nd, 2011
10:10 am

Fundamentals: “Either way truth, we just don’t have a knack for finding those key role players…or blatantly obvious All Star/ HOF Talents like others do.”

Agreed

Agreed

Booo!

March 2nd, 2011
10:26 am

Bibby is mad

http://mpmcneal.blogspot.com/2011/03/bibby-says-hawks-did-him-dirty-but-hes.html

SteveW

March 2nd, 2011
10:42 am

If I’m LD tonite I tell:

Teague: Don’t let DRose breath on defense, and drive the hole e every possession to get him in foul trouble if you can. This is why your in the NBA

Marvin – When you catch the ball, you are not allowed to pass. You either drive, or stop and pop. Your an alpha dog tonight

Etan – You are to use your 6 fouls and 22 inch biceps the way an NBA vet should. Enough said

Collins – You use your 260lbs to lean all over Boozer.

Hilton – When Taj comes in, you come in and drape him. Get every board and go after every loose ball.

Wilkens- Be prepared to guard DRose some. You think Jamal is?

Jamal- at least stick your arm up or something if you find yourself guarding Rose

Team – When JJ gets the ball, the nearest player sets a screen. JJ should know what to do next

Lots more, but I gotta life

Slimjr

March 2nd, 2011
10:42 am

Who cares about the FREAKING Crowds!! The Hawks have one the the worst Franchise OWNERSHIP/Management staff for the past 40 plus years!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

SELL THE TEAM AND WIN A FREAKIN CHAMPIONSHIP AND THE PEOPLE WILL PACK THE HOUSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Slimjr

March 2nd, 2011
10:44 am

Thanks BK for not Drafting Deng over that Buster Josh Childress…” You Big Dummy!”

The Truth

March 2nd, 2011
10:48 am

The Hawks have mismatches that could be problematic for the bulls which could neutralize their advantages. If JJ brings his game, the bull will not be able to match his physicality at the SG position so their help defense (with Noah) will be required. Their bread and butter (on the block) will be boozier but Josh (if healthy) matches up well against him. If we had Bibby against Rose, we would be toast but Teague/Hinrich will give us a chance. Marvin’s length hopefully will serve him well against Deng. Let’s also hope he plays angry. He just needs to read these blogs to get motivated. Al could bring Noah out of comfort zone which is away from the basket. However, I see Noah having a rebound advantage against Al. Let’s hope it’s not huge. The Bulls bench maybe the difference in the game since they have overall more quality than ours. We are still missing a quality player off the bench beside Jamal.

J from the A

March 2nd, 2011
10:49 am

“Wilkens- Be prepared to guard DRose some. You think Jamal is?”

My initial lol turned into sadness. Would be funny, only if it wasn’t true.

Slimjr

March 2nd, 2011
10:52 am

Marvin plays like the Matrix, too slow for Deng..Deng will blow past him like he’s stuck in mud…..Just quit Marvin… Your done…………….Your body language does not lie..It says I don’t want to be here..

The Truth

March 2nd, 2011
10:59 am

THE HAWKSVILLE-O-METER

We will know if LD is ready for the next level in this game. If he ever put Jamal on Rose, then you will know, he’s not ready.

JeJe

March 2nd, 2011
11:00 am

LD was SATISFIED with a 3-4 road trip. LOL. We definitely ARE NOT elite.

LOL @ Sund saying how the 2 Finals teams last year had 9 of 10 starters over age of 30, then said we are still very young

Sounds to me like this team will never compete

JeJe

March 2nd, 2011
11:01 am

Bibby said he anticipates things will be different in Miami than they were in Atlanta.

“I didn’t have the ball in my hands in Atlanta,” he said, “and that’s not saying I’m gonna have it in Miami. But I think things will be different.”

The reason he didn’t have the ball in his hands is because he’s fat and a useless PG

northcyde

March 2nd, 2011
11:05 am

No way should Collins or Etan start tonight. Noah is way too active of a big on the boards. Plus Chicago isn’t going to run a lot of offense in the post through Noah, so a guy like Collins won’t neutralize his offense.

If Smith can’t go, the right move may be to start Marvin at the 4, move JJ to the 3, and start Damien at the 2.

Teague – Damien – JJ – Marvin – Horford

or

just go ahead and start Zaza, and see if he can keep a body on Noah and be active enough to keep him from completely dominating the boards

Teague – JJ – Marvin – Horford – Zaza

Regardless of who plays, JJ needs to look to put up a huge number tonight. He may have to take 25 shots and look to score 30+ points. And it would be nice if Jamal helped him out scoring wise.

Our most talented offensive players need to be on their games tonight. Horford can get 20+ points vs Boozer or Noah. Probably need at least 75 points out of JJ – Horford – Jamal tonight. Everyone else needs to be solid defensively and provide timely offense.

drmaryb (*_*)

March 2nd, 2011
11:13 am

**Fundamentals – My understanding is they can’t be on your playoff roster if signed at that point. So I think the only way is if we need to cover for an injury.**
_________________________

Then Fake one. Or pay to have Marvin jumped on out back and twist his left knee. (I’m just joking). I got love for Marvin, I wish he had love for the game.

Sautee

March 2nd, 2011
11:23 am

SteveW,

“Teague can hang with DRose.”

I wish I shared your abounding confidence in Teague. I don’t as yet, though I think he has some tools. He just hasn’t learned to use them properly and he’ll be defending this year’s MVP.

Could get ugly.

Sautee

March 2nd, 2011
11:27 am

Jeje,

Careful with your words. LD did NOT say he was “satisfied” with 3-4. He said under the circumstances (one short handed game, the trade, Josh missing a half) 3-4 was acceptable. That’s different from being “satisfied”.

Najeh Davenpoop

March 2nd, 2011
11:32 am

“Either way truth, we just don’t have a knack for finding those key role players…or blatantly obvious All Star/ HOF Talents like others do.”

Haha… this requires a GM who makes more than one good draft pick every decade and a coaching staff that knows how to develop players. On the rare occasion that Sund hits on a draft pick (Teague) it takes a trade and subsequent injury for that talent to start getting developed.

JeJe

March 2nd, 2011
11:33 am

Sautee,
It doesn’t matter.

We are allegedly trying to compete, and 3-4 is not a good record. We got embarrassed in NYK and LAL and blew the game vs. Phx.

Pathetic

JeJe

March 2nd, 2011
11:38 am

Our medical staff is a joke. Every time a player says he is “okay” or day-to-day, he ends up missing multiple games.

Same with Horford a few weeks ago. He practiced and said he was ready to go, then 3 days later (on a Thursday I believe) we hear his condition had deteriorated

FIRE SUND

Sautee

March 2nd, 2011
12:05 pm

Jeje,

Believe me it matters if you say someone is “satisfied” when they never said that.

Anyone who saw your post and had not heard his quote would be given an incorrect perception.

Would you want someone attributing things to you that you never said? I don’t think so. I know you are frustrated with the team and the organization, but perhaps putting out half-truths is not the best way to express that frustration.

Shake Something

March 2nd, 2011
12:22 pm

Give Hilton a CHANCE!!!!!!!!!!!!

jerrywest

March 2nd, 2011
12:35 pm

JeJe – that’s probably because Hawks employ Nurses instead of Doctors to save some money.

Melvin

March 2nd, 2011
7:16 pm

Starting Collins is like allowing the Bulls to take a 1st qtr lead…

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